Are PFAS in pregnancy changing baby vaccine protection later?

What's actually in it

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals often called forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment or your body. They are commonly used to make products resistant to water, grease, and stains.

These chemicals can build up in your blood and have been found in human milk, according to a 2026 study in Environ Res. When you are exposed to PFAS during pregnancy, these substances can move through your body and potentially reach your baby.

What the research says

While there is ongoing concern about how PFAS impact long-term health, current peer-reviewed research focuses heavily on how these chemicals affect pregnancy itself. A 2026 study in Environ Res followed a mother-child group and found that high PFAS exposure is linked to changes in blood pressure during pregnancy.

Furthermore, scientists are investigating whether newer replacements for these chemicals are any better. A 2026 study in Chem Biol Interact suggests that these PFAS alternatives may carry their own risks, including potential links to high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy. The science shows that these chemicals are not inert and can disrupt normal body functions.